Vehicle Therma-Zone Fluid Pathways for Cabin Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle heating and cooling systems often rely on fans and blowing systems, which can be inefficient and may not effectively maintain a comfortable cabin temperature, especially in terms of heat transfer and energy distribution throughout the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A closed network of interconnected fluid pathways is integrated into various vehicle components such as the headliner, door, instrument panel, and exterior/interior walls, using a thermodynamically conductive and insulative layer to circulate a fluid for temperature adjustment, eliminating the need for traditional blowing systems and enhancing heat transfer through thermodynamic convention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional blowing systems are used for heating and cooling, then the system structure is simple, but heat transfer efficiency is poor and energy distribution is uneven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecabin temperature uniformityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a hydraulic system with fluid pathways integrated into vehicle panels (headliner, door panels, instrument panel) to circulate thermodynamic fluid. This hydraulic approach replaces traditional air-based blowing systems, enabling more efficient heat transfer through the panel structures directly into the cabin space, achieving uniform temperature distribution while reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the thermal control function into multiple segmented fluid pathways distributed across different vehicle panels (headliner, door panels, instrument panel). Each panel segment contains its own fluid pathways, allowing independent thermal management of different cabin zones, which improves overall heat transfer efficiency and temperature uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a closed network of fluid pathways is integrated into vehicle panels, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control effectivenessVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the thermal management function with existing vehicle panel structures. The fluid pathways are integrated directly into the headliner, door panels, and instrument panel assemblies, combining structural components with thermal exchange functionality. This reduces overall system complexity compared to adding separate heating/cooling systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle panels serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, aesthetic appearance, and thermal exchange surfaces. The fluid pathways within these panels enable both heating and cooling operations through the same infrastructure, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If thermodynamically conductive layers are used between interior cabin and fluid pathways, then heat transfer efficiency increases, but energy loss to exterior increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidthermal energy loss

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different thermal properties to different locations: thermodynamically conductive layers are placed between the interior cabin and fluid pathways to enhance heat transfer into the cabin, while thermodynamically insulative layers are placed between the exterior panels and fluid pathways to prevent energy loss to the exterior. This localized differentiation of thermal properties optimizes both heat transfer efficiency and energy conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution allows for efficient and even temperature adjustment within the vehicle cabin by leveraging thermodynamic principles, reducing energy consumption and improving comfort by ensuring consistent heating or cooling across different vehicle areas without directly influencing external temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

A thermodynamically conductive layer is disposed between an interior cabin of the vehicle and the closed network of interconnected pathways

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermodynamic conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

Heat gained from the interior of the cabin is expelled outside the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermodynamic convection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

A thermodynamically insulative layer is disposed between an exterior panel of the cabin and the network of interconnected pathways

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS9555688B2Therma-zone vehicle system

Publication Date: 2017.01.31 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A temperature adjustment system for a vehicle including a closed network of interconnected fluid pathways disposed in at least one of a headliner, a door, and an instrument panel of the vehicle. A fluid is disposed in the closed network. A fluid pump pushes the fluid through the closed network. The closed network is not open to an interior cabin of the vehicle and thermodynamically influences a cabin temperature of the vehicle.